Alcohol Use: Make a Plan

Cannabis combined with alcohol can result in greater impairment than when using either substance on its own, leading to decreased motor control, reduced concentration, and slower reaction times.

Depressants (e.g., Xanax, Valium) combined with alcohol have a synergistic effect, with potential for dangerous and even lethal consequences, with rapid onset of dizziness, stumbling, loss of sphincter control, memory loss, and potential death.

Stimulants (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta) combined with alcohol conceal alcohol’s effects, so people cannot gauge their level of intoxication, which can result in over-consumption, e.g. significant impairment of coordination and judgment, blackout, pass out, and potential death.

Opiates (e.g., Vicodin, OxyContin, Tylenol 3 with codeine, Percocet) combined with alcohol can result in slowed or arrested breathing, lowered pulse and blood pressure, unconsciousness, coma, and potential death

When we talk about a sexual experience, it could be defined any way you like, whether that’s as a kiss, intercourse, or anything else in between. For most people, sexual experiences are best when their bodies are free from drugs, including alcohol. This is also true for U-M students! Most U-M students say they have their best sexual experiences when they are sober or have at most 1-2 standard drinks in their system. 

• When sober or with very low amounts of alcohol, people are more likely to be able to maintain an erection, to have adequate vaginal lubrication, and feel more heightened pleasurable sensations.
• Have trouble experiencing orgasm? Being sober makes orgasms more likely to happen.
• When you can communicate clearly (in other words, when you’re not confused or drowsy from alcohol), you can talk with partners about what you each like sexually. This can lead to greater satisfaction with the experience.
• Trying to avoid STIs and/or pregnancy? Being sober, or having small amounts of alcohol, can make it easier to stay on track with your goals for safer sex, consistent contraceptive use, and making deliberate choices about what sexual activities you want (or don’t want) to engage in.

• When you’re sober, it’s easier to think clearly about how you want to treat people. Being sober helps you remember to speak and act in ways that show your partners that you respect them and you’re in control of yourself.
• Think about the sexual activities you would or would not be interested in doing. Ask any potential partners about what they want and don’t want to do. And, while thinking about boundaries ahead of time may be helpful, it’s always OK to change your mind about what you want to do.
• Alcohol affects everyone differently, so being sober when giving and getting consent helps make sure that everyone involved is freely and deliberately choosing to participate in the sexual activity.
• Having sex only when everyone’s sober can safeguard your future goals by reducing the chance of legal or university disciplinary actions. Alcohol is the substance used most frequently used to facilitate sexual assault on college campuses. If everyone’s sober, your consent conversation will be much more likely to reflect everyone’s true desires about a sexual encounter.

• If you choose to drink, see our Stay in the Blue page for ways to get what you want without what you don't. Download the app for quick connections to Uber and taxis to get home safely.
• Remember to bring the safer sex items you might need (like condoms, dental dams, and contraceptives) with you. Visit Wolverine Wellness (located in Suite 0245, on the ground floor of the UHS building) for free safer sex items.
• If you had unprotected sex and could get pregnant, consider Emergency Contraception.
• For confidential resources and support related to sexual assault, stalking, or sexual harassment, see the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC). For immediate assistance, call the SAPAC Crisis Line (24/7) at 734-936-3333.

• Plan ahead. Make plans before an event to have non-alcoholic drinks, high-protein snacks, heat sources, and shelter from the elements available.
• Dress in layers. Dress for the weather in layers you can easily take off when you get inside, especially if you’ve been drinking. Alcohol makes your blood vessels expand, causing you to feel warmer than you really are, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Even if you feel warm, it’s important to keep your coat, hat, and gloves on when you’re outside to decrease that risk.
• Hydrate. Alcohol dehydrates, making it harder for your body to regulate cold temperatures. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
• Warm up. Limit your time outside or when you’re exposed to the elements. Take regular breaks inside or near outdoor heaters to give your body a chance to warm up.
• Know the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia: 
  • Redness or pain on the skin — if left untreated, the skin may also become white or grayish-yellow and feel unusually firm, waxy, or numb
  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Fumbling hands
  • Memory loss
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness

These could all be signs to move indoors, remove any wet clothing, warm up under dry layers and blankets, place any frostbite-affected body parts in warm water, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe. Do not try to give alcoholic drinks to warm the person up!

• Plan ahead. Before an event, plan to have non-alcoholic drinks, high-protein snacks, sunscreen, and shade sources such as a hat, umbrella, or fan available.  
• Hydrate. Alcohol dehydrates, making it harder for your body to regulate hot temperatures. Fill a cooler with lots of chilled non-alcoholic choices to have at an event and drink plenty of water, especially if you’re out in the sun.
• Spread out your drinking. Summer days are longer, which can lead to events that start earlier and go later. Set a drink limit, and then pace your drinking by starting with a non-alcoholic drink and alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Find the shade. Take regular breaks in the shade or indoors to give your body a chance to cool off.
• Don’t drink and swim. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, making it harder to swim safely. 
• Know the warning signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke: 
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Headaches
  • Muscle cramping
  • Confusion
  • Clammy skin
  • Feeling hot without sweating

These could all be a signal to move to a cool area, stop drinking alcohol, hydrate, rest, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.